Hampton teachers, nurses and custodians concerned about proposed cuts

Those who spoke at the school division public hearing worried about jobs

March 21, 2013|By Cathy Grimes, cgrimes@dailypress.com | 757-247-4758

As Hampton City Schools officials mull a proposed $197 million 2013-14 budget, several speakers offered objections and comments about cuts the division is considering to balance its budget.

The spending plan is about $5 million larger than the current $192 million spending plan, but the division has grappled with closing a $10 million gap between revenue and expenses. To do that, the division has proposed a range of cuts, from using contractors for custodial services to increasing class sizes to replacing half the school nurses with licensed practical nurses.

Speakers objected to those and other cuts.

Custodian Charles Davis said the division needs its custodial staff to provide safe and clean schools. His words were echoed by Cherry Paul, formerly lead custodian at Cary Elementary. She said the division could find savings in other areas, but custodial staff and teaching assistants were vital.

"I'm speaking for all us little people who always seem to be cut off at the knees in budget season," she said.

School nurse Glory Gill worried about the proposed change in school nursing staff. She said school nurses dealt with a range of complex health issues, from chemotherapy to asthma treatments and tube feedings. Additionally, she said, the school nurse is the only health professional many children see. Gill said she sees 60 children and administers 35 prescription doses daily.

Teacher Diane Congrove worried that increasing class sizes at the fourth and fifth grade levels, proposed to save more than $179,000, would affect reading instruction. The division's elementary reading program is geared toward classes of 24 students.

"A class of 30 would mean some children would not receive small group instruction each day," she said.

She said teachers would not be able to give the same attention to a larger number of children.

"The difference between teacher touches in a class of 20 as opposed to a class of 30 is monumental," Congrove said. "Quality reading and writing instruction depends on the smaller classes."

Elementary music teacher Jennifer Murray spoke to another proposed cut, reducing elementary art and music teachers to save $601,000. Five other music teachers stood behind her. Murray said music instruction spills over to other subjects and helps students master them. Additionally, music instruction helps students learning English as their second language, she said. Fewer teachers also would mean fewer music performances for students.

Hampton activist Rudy Langford said he was concerned about increasing class sizes. He urged the school board to pressure the city council to increase funding for the school division. The division's proposed budget relies on about $70.8 million in support from the city.

"I am going to be vigilant if there is a change in educating children because of class size," Langford said. "Teachers and our children, that's my priority."

The board made no comment other than to thank speakers. Superintendent Linda Shifflette said the proposed budget is posted on the school division website. She also noted another public hearing is scheduled for March 27. The school board will consider voting on the budget at that meeting.